Health minister’s place in government safe after about turn on face masks, says PM

Health Minister Adam Vojtěch has a permanent place in the current government, the leader of the cabinet Andrej Babiš said on Friday. Mr. Vojtěch has been facing criticism after his ministry announced a major revision in future face mask wearing rules, only to be subsequently cancelled following an intervention by Mr. Babiš himself.

The Czech prime minister said that Mr. Vojtěch had been misled by his team of experts, with the measures announced on Monday having only been propositions, rather than agreed upon rules.

The opposition came out in strong criticism following a U-turn by Health Minister Vojtěch on face mask rules this Thursday, after he met with Mr. Babiš. With Petr Fiala of the Civic Democrats, the strongest opposition party in Parliament, accusing both members of government of making fools of the nation.